Session Descriptions
- Pediatric Traumatic Injuries
- Simplifying The Complex Kid
- Responding To Childhood & Adolescent Psychiatric Crises
- Children’s Critical Care Transport Ambulance
- Pandemic Planning For Special Populations
- PediaSim
- A Trauma Surgeon’s Experience In Haiti
- Treating A Population That Has Never Received Medical Care
- Geriatric Psychiatric Emergencies
- Managing Geriatric Patients: From Brittle Bones to End-of-Life Issues
- Pandemic Planning For Special Populations
- Increasing Customer Satisfaction by Reducing Non-emergency Transports
- Roundtable Discussion: Using 9-1-1 Call Determinants to Improve EMS Response
- 20 Greatest Mistakes that EMS Managers Make
- Strategies For Small Service Survival
- Faked Credentials Investigation Debrief
- Pandemic Planning For Special Populations
Saturday, November 6, 2010 | Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Saturday Keynote Address: Saving Our Neglected Patients: The Urgent Need to More Effectively Address Bariatric, Geriatric, Mentally-Ill and Other Special Patient Populations ( Mr. Jerry Overton )
When you’re dispatched for a 911 medical emergency you are responding to a unique patient with diagnoses you may or may not have heard of before. EMS providers are trained as generalists, but patients and communities expect them to be prepared to expertly treat and asses all regardless of their special condition or need. Receiving additional training on complex patients is especially relevant in today’s world as the number of recognized special groups continues to rise. Geriatric, bariatric, pediatric and mental health patients all present unique challenges to the EMS provider which vary widely from the general population. These patients often do not receive the special care they need because EMS providers are not adequately trained in specific disorders. In this keynote presentation, Mr. Overton will discuss the importance of adapting emergency service training to the populations that services respond for. He will also address challenges and opportunities of providing high quality care for treating complex patients in areas wishing to cut budgets and downsize EMS services.
A Trauma Surgeon’s Experience in Haiti ( Kurt Rhynhart )
After the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010 medical professionals from around the world responded to treat the thousands of people affected by this monumental disaster. Back by popular demand, Dr. Kurt Rhynhart will discuss the challenges of providing medical care in a disaster zone and how these challenges can be overcome. This session will also include a firsthand account of the human toll wrought by the earthquake and the limitations providers faced when responding.
Getting Out Alive: Communication for Psychological Emergencies (Laurie Cyr-Martel )
What do you say when a person believes they’re Joan of Arc, or sliced their abdomen to cope with abuse, or thinks that they are wearing a 3 piece suit walking down main street and they are naked? What you say and do may be the difference between making things worse, finding compliance, or getting out alive. This course will examine several techniques to effectively communicate and engage individuals who present with psychological and/or behavioral emergencies. Communication for psychological emergencies will present several tools, to include but not limited to active listening skills, grounding techniques, proxemics, body language, resistance and collaboration and keys to effective tactical communication. These skills will be applied to and for the paranoid person, delusional person, suicidal, developmentally delayed, and emotional crisis.
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to effectively communicate with those who present with and/or in a psychological, behavioral crisis. Participants will also acquire an understanding, sensitivity and awareness when de-escalating a critical situation involving psychological issues. The knowledge acquired in today’s workshop will enhance the safety for both the first responder and the patient.
Pediatric Traumatic Injuries ( David Mooney )
Research suggests that although pediatric patients suffering from traumatic injuries are more likely to die than adults, improving pre-hospital interventions could improve fatality rates. This important session will include a review of common pediatric traumatic injuries which providers may encounter in the field. It will also discuss the common challenges and strategies for treating these little patients.
PediaSim ( Mr. Tim Redding )
The session is back by popular demdand. Come participate in hands on scenarios using the METI high fidelity human patient simulator, PediaSIM. The PediaSIM simulator breathes, blinks, has pupil response, bleeds, and even talks. During this 1.5 hour seminar that will run in each of the time slots, participants will get the chance to work as a team with this top of the line simulator to practice treating a variety of pediatric emergency medical problems.
Sponsored in part by Medical Education and Simulation, Inc.
Bonus Lunch Tour: Children's Hospital Crticial Care Transport Program Ambulance
The Children's Hospital Critical Care Transport Program will have their specialized ambulance on hand for EMS providers to tour and ask question. The Program coordinates and provides transport services for critically ill or injured patients referred to Children's Hospital. The transport team utilizes the vehicle for the resuscitation, stabilization, and interfacility transfer of patients ranging from preterm infants to young adults. The primary goal of the Children's Hospital Transport Program is to improve outcomes for critically ill neonatal and pediatric patients who require transport to Children’s Hospital.
Bonus Lunch Session: Pandemic Planning for Special Populations
The challenges that face public health and emergency medical services agencies in a pandemic situation are numerous. Demand for service spirals out of control as the workforce dwindles due to illness. This discussion will cover how adequate planning and collaboration within and between public health and EMS agencies can improve service delivery despite the anticipated stresses on the healthcare system. Pandemic realities as well as proven planning response and strategies including regular communication and pre-planning will be reviewed and best practices shared.
Responding to Childhood and Adolescent Psychological Crises (Laurie Cyr-Martel )
“Child out of control” – How many times have we responded to the previous request? ADHD, ODD, CD, OCD, PTSD, and a host of acronyms that mean nothing if we do not have the tools to address the behavior. How does the first responder engage the depressed adolescent, or the child who demonstrates self injurious behaviors? This 90 minute workshop will provide glimpses and explanations of the traits of the diagnosis mentioned above and interventions to assist when faced with the “out of control” situations.
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to effectively interact with the child adolescent who present with and/or in a psychological, behavioral crisis. Participants will also acquire an understanding, sensitivity and awareness when de-escalating the child or adolescent. The knowledge acquired in this workshop will enhance the safety for both the first responder and the patient.
Simplifying the Complex Kid ( Harriett Nelson )
The number of children with significant healthcare needs being cared for in home settings has been increasing since the 1982 U.S. Surgeon General’s Workshop on Children with Handicaps and Their Families. How would you treat a child complaining of difficulty breathing who is hooked to a respirator and other supportive machinery? What special treatment and transport decisions would need to be considered for such an individual? Children’s Hospital Critical Care Transport Program deals with these challenges regularly and will discuss strategies that local ambulances can use to assess, treat and safely transport these complex patients.
Using 9-1-1 Call Determinants to Improve EMS Response ( Chuck Hemeon )
The New Hampshire 9-1-1 system uses a nationally recognized system to classify the wide range of emergency medical calls received. They also ensure that the public receives consistent and comprehensive instructions specific to their medical emergency when accessing the EMS system. In addition, many EMS services throughout New Hampshire utilize the “call determinants” provided by the 9-1-1 system to improve their response, prioritize ALS resources, and improve safety for themselves and the public. This roundtable discussion will address the value of the E9-1-1 system, how it can be used, and what providers can expect.
1,000 lb Transfer: A Bariatric Case Study ( Dr. Steven Powell )
You are dispatched for a 32-year-old male with shortness of breath. Upon arrival, you find a bariatric patient who appears to weigh several hundred pounds. How do you take this patients BP? How do you move this patient? This workshop follows a 1,018lb patient who drove himself to a local hospital for shortness of breath, was admitted to the local ICU, and eventually flown on an Air Force Rescue Helicopter from Washington D.C. to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. The workshop will address the complex medical issues that arise from obesity, and the difficulties of treating a bariatric patient in the pre-hospital setting.
Aquatics Injury Prevention, Management, and Treatment ( Gerald Dworkin )
Drowning and aquatic-related injuries are significant health concerns in the United States and are the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for children under the age of 14. This extended session focuses on the importance of on-going vigilant adult supervision anytime children are in, on and around water, regardless of whether or not Lifeguard personnel are available. It will address common aquatic injuries and discuss the equipment and medical skills needed to treat these patients. Gerald Dworkin of Lifesaving Resources (lifesaving.com) will use dramatic video footage and case studies to demonstrate how to prevent, manage, and treat aquatic injuries.
When Deliveries Go Bad: The EMS Providers Worst Nightmare ( Debbie Mueller )
For many EMTs and Paramedics the thought of delivering a baby under the best of circumstances is extremely stressful. Unfortunately, the nature of EMS is that it is hardly ever involved in “routine” child births. This session will provide a brief overview of routine child births before delving into some of most common problems that EMS providers may encounter. A former EMT and current Obstetrician, Dr. Mueller will review the symptoms of common complications with delivering a baby and how EMS providers can best treat these patients. This session will also include examples of how the actions and inactions of pre-hospital care providers can make dramatic differences to these new mothers and babies.
Managing Geriatric Patients: From Brittle Bones to End-of-Life Issues ( Raphael Barishansky )
Most EMT and Paramedic programs spend significantly more time discussing pediatrics than geriatrics – even though the percentage of the US population over the age of sixty five is growing at a faster rate than ever before. Advancements in medicine and pharmaceuticals have pushed the average life expectancy to almost 80. An overview of specific pearls and pitfalls of assessing and treating geriatric patients will be covered, including important physical, social and cognitive facets every EMS provider should be familiar with. More common assistive living equipment utilized in home care will be reviewed, as well as relevant topics such as the ins (and outs) of hospice, the uniqueness of geriatric trauma, recognizing elder abuse and being sensitive to end-of-life concerns. This presentation will touch on a wide variety of medical care issues specific to the geriatric population and will hopefully instill a new respectful perspective on the challenges facing these patients.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday Keynote Address: Managing the First 15 Minutes of the Deadliest Pediatric Emergencies ( Dr. James Callahan )
As you exit the ambulance, a young mother runs up to the ambulance with a limp child in her arms, you can’t tell if the child is breathing and you note the pale-grey pallor of his skin. Serious pediatric emergencies are among the most terrifying calls an EMT can encounter. Learn how to assess and manage the crucial first 15 minutes of the deadliest pediatric emergencies.
Autism Special Needs ( Jason Dorval )
This workshop is designed to supply introduce EMS providers to autism. Jason Dorval will go over the basics of what autism is, how it is diagnosed, and specific medical conditions that often occur with individuals with autism. In addition, the workshop will go over techniques specific to EMS providers including how to handle autistic emergencies in the pre-hospital environment.
Transporting the Combative Patient ( Thomas Dunn )
EMS providers are regularly faced with patients who are combative, agitated or suicidal. This presentation will address common etiologies for such patients, best practices in safely transporting them, and interventions for keeping both patient and EMS provider safe.
Sponsored in part by Portsmouth Hospital's Emergency Physicians Group.
Assessment of the Pregnant Patient( Debbie Mueller )
You are dispatched to the scene of a minor motor vehicle accident and upon arriving find that the female driver of the vehicle is 8-months pregnant. How do you proceed with assessing this patient? Pregnant patients present unique challenges especially for EMS providers who may have limited experience treating them. This session will provide a number of practical tips on how to assess and best treat pregnant patients in the field. It will also review some of the common injuries associated with pregnant individuals.
The 20 Greatest Mistakes EMS Managers Make ( Dan Manz )
This session offers a witty commentary on some of the behaviors that many EMS managers (as well as others) exhibit and enlightening observations on how these faux pas can lead to problems within the service and communities. Whether you are a Crew Chief, Captain, or Service Manager get ready to take an honest look in the mirror and learn strategies that will help you become a more effective leader and manager.
Infectious Disease Emergencies in Young Children ( Dr. James Callahan )
Infectious diseases such as bacterial pneumonia, bronchiolitis, croup pertussis can present as acute breathing issues, sepsis, high fever and seizures. This program will provide practical advice regarding how to recognize and manage these disease and their acute consequences.
The Long Term Effects of Traumatic Injuries on Returning Veterans ( Thomas Dunn )
Veterans returning from theaters of operation in Afghanistan and Iraq are faced with both physical and psychological trauma in numbers not seen since the Vietnam conflict. Twenty-first century soldiers are emerging from the battlefield as the victims of IED blasts causing both blunt and penetrating trauma leaving enduring head injuries. High rates of PTSD and substance use are unparalleled in this group. Indeed, returning veterans have twice the rate of suicide as the general population. This seminar will prepare EMS providers to properly assess, treat, and appreciate lasting battlefield injuries that are both physical and psychological in nature.
Sponsored in part by Portsmouth Hospital's Emergency Physicians Group.
Preventing Responder Suicide ( Dr. Barry Feldman )
Each day, lives depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. Regardless of whether you are a street-savvy veteran or a newly-certified EMT, the impact of caring for sick, severely-injured or dying patients can significantly influence your emotional health. In this presentation, Dr. Barry Feldman will discuss the human elements that are unique to the EMS profession. He will review characteristics of distress in EMS personnel, and suggest action steps for suicide prevention within the EMS ranks and intervention techniques for suicidal behavior involving EMS personnel.
Faked Credentials Investigation Debrief ( Sue Prentiss )
Hundreds of New Hampshire and Massachusetts EMTs and Paramedics made national news this past year after it was discovered that many had allegedly faked credentials or continuing education requirements. In addition to hurting the reputation of the EMS profession as a whole, these allegations have had a significant impact on the individuals involved and the agencies they work for. This session, offered by the outgoing Chief of the New Hampshire Bureau of EMS, will separate fact from the media hype. It was also address the critical question of how individual providers and services can avoid these pitfalls in the future.
DHART
The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team (DHART) is based in Lebanon, NH at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, New Hampshire's only verified Level 1 Trauma Center. DHART crews provide both ground and air medical transportation services to the medical communities of Northern New England. In addition, DHART flight crews respond to public safety agency requests for medical evacuation of trauma patients from scenes of injury, and will transport to the closest Trauma Center in the region's five states.
The Dartmouth Hitchcock Advanced Response Team will be presenting a 1.5 hour lecture on how and when to use a helicopter response. The DHART team will come with one of the helicopters and will discuss all aspects of medical flights.
Depressed, Demented and Delirious: Now What? Managing Geriatric Psychiatric Emergencies ( Dr. David Harnett )
You have been dispatched to the locked dementia unit of the local assisted living facility for a new resident who has eloped multiple times in the week since he arrived. He refuses to cooperate and is becoming increasingly combative. This presentation will discuss management and treatment strategies for common geriatric psychiatric emergencies. We will work through a number of scenarios and discuss both Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support options.
Lives in Danger: The Dynamics of Scene Safety ( Mr. Tim Redding )
You've been dispatched to the locked dementia unit of the local assisted living facility for a new resident who has eloped multiple times in the week since he arrived. He refuses to cooperate and is becoming increasingly combative. This presentation will discuss management and treatment strategies for common geriatric psychiatric emergencies. We'll work through a number of scenarios and discuss both Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support options.
Strategies for Small Service Survival ( Dan Manz )
Although small EMS agencies provide the first line of emergency medical care to rural and suburban communities throughout the country, they face many challenges. The first step in assuring that your agency will survive is identifying and understanding the challenges that threaten your agency. Targeted at EMS agencies with all volunteer or mixed career and volunteer staffing, this workshop will discuss the tools to identify, understand, and meet the challenges that threaten the existence of your agency. The first step in assuring that your agency will survive is to be able to identify and understand the challenges you face.
CEU approved for New Hampshire and Vermont. CME approval pending for Massachusetts. CEH approval pending for Maine.
